National Ocean Sciences Bowl Announces 2015 Scholarship Recipients

(Washington, D.C.) – The Consortium for Ocean Leadership’s National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) is pleased to announce their 2015 National Ocean Scholars. The annual National Ocean Scholar Program is part of the NOSB’s continuing efforts to recognize and support achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Five high school seniors were selected in 2015 from a wide applicant pool.

The 2015 National Ocean Scholars are:

Ashley DavisDutch Fork High School in Irmo, South Carolina; attending the University of South Carolina

Devon GaynesMt. Sinai High School in Mt. Sinai, New York; attending Stony Brook University

Jeffrey KeeneStrawberry Crest High School in Dover, Florida; attending Florida Atlantic University

Augustus PendeltonShorewood High School in Shorewood, Wisconsin; attending University of Minnesota.

Noa RandallCambridge Rindge and Latin School in Cambridge, Massachusetts; attending Smith College

For more information on each of the 2015 Scholars, including photos, click here.

Each of the five 2015 Scholars received $1,000 to be used during the first year of their respective undergraduate educations. The funds for the 2015 National Ocean Scholar Program were raised through the NOSB’s 2015 Get in the Game crowdsourcing fundraiser.

“The NOSB is committed to supporting and encouraging the next generation of ocean scientists,” said Kristen Yarincik, NOSB Program Director. “Through the 2015 application process, it became clear that these five bright young minds are dedicated to the field of ocean science and will be an instrumental part of researching and sustaining our vast – and still largely unexplored – ocean environment.”

In order to be considered for this scholarship, applicants submitted an application, SAT/ACT scores, two written essays and two letters of recommendations. Each application was reviewed by three reviewers from various departments and backgrounds within the Consortium for Ocean Leadership. Reviewers used a provided rubric to evaluate each application. All three scores were summed and averaged. The top five candidates with the highest average scores received scholarships.

“It is reassuring to know that the selection committee thinks I will succeed in marine science,” said 2015 National Ocean Scholar Ashley Davis. “I am looking forward to what I will learn in the next four years, and this contribution has helped me pursue my passion.”

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About National Ocean Sciences Bowl

The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) is a program of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership based in Washington, D.C. NOSB seeks to interest students in pursuing a college degree and future career in the ocean sciences. Through this educational forum, the NOSB strives to encourage and support the next generation of marine scientists, policy makers, teachers, explorers, researchers, technicians, environmental advocates and informed citizens, to consider and appreciate the ocean.

About Consortium for Ocean Leadership

Ocean Leadership is a Washington, D.C. nonprofit organization that represents 89 of the leading public and private ocean research education institutions, aquaria and industry with the mission to shape the future of ocean science and technology. In addition to its advocacy role as the voice of the ocean research and education community, Ocean Leadership manages a variety of community-wide research and education programs in areas of ocean observing, ocean exploration, and ocean partnerships.